Elementary School Teacher Salary in Winona, MN: $70,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Winona, MN earns a median $70,012/year (≈ $33.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Winona's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $71,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Winona is projected to reach a median of $70,012, which positions it above the national median of $64,597. The compensation range for educators in this region spans from $54,608 at the 10th percentile to $108,519 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive market landscape influenced by the area's cost of living. Specifically, the local cost-of-living index is 98.5, indicating that while salaries may seem higher, they are calibrated against living expenses that are slightly below the national average. This dynamic means that teachers in Winona can expect a more favorable wage-to-cost ratio, which is essential for attracting and retaining talent in the educational sector.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,608 | $26.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,963 | $30.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,012 | $33.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,303 | $41.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,519 | $52.18 |
Median Salary Position
8.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
In Winona, MN, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,911 (2026 est.). At $70,012, the local median is 8.38% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winona Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Winona median: $70,012/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,853 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +8.38% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Winona, MN earn a median of $70,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.38% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $73,853.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winona has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winona, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $70,012 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,078 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,673
2025 BLS Actual
$69,333
2026 Current Est.
$70,012
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,673 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,049 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,699 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winona metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $64,673 (2019) to $69,333 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,026 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,608 – $63,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,963 – $70,012 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,012 – $87,303 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,303 – $108,519 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Winona
In terms of job market conditions, only four elementary school teachers are currently employed in Winona, suggesting a niche market with limited openings. Although this can mean less competition for jobs, it may also contribute to limited pay scales among public schools, which typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure based on experience and education level. The cost of living, ranked at 98.5, affects take-home pay, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, teachers must be strategic about additional income opportunities. To maximize earnings, educators should consider additional roles such as coaching, tutoring, or pursuing stipends for National Board Certification. School districts may also offer specialized salary adjustments for teaching in high-need areas such as special education or STEM, which could further enhance overall compensation. Understanding these dynamics allows teachers to navigate the compensation landscape effectively in Winona, MN.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $69,333 for elementary school teachersin the Winona metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov